CN114641394B

CN114641394B - Multifunctional printing head for stencil printer

Info

Publication number: CN114641394B
Application number: CN202080056628.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 威廉·A·洛西维奇; 布鲁斯·C·西顿; 詹姆斯·林奇; 帕特希·A·马特奥; 琼·N·肖普; 托马斯·C·普伦蒂斯; 斯科特·A·里德
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2019-06-13
Filing date: 2020-06-11
Publication date: 2024-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-11
Also published as: TW202123789A; TW202112568A; CN118438795A; EP3983231A1; EP3983231B1; KR20220019043A; MX2021015421A; CN114641394A; JP2022536724A; MX2021015376A; US20200391531A1; US20200391530A1; CN114206628A; JP2022536513A; US11827044B2; US11351804B2; WO2020252113A1; KR20220019044A; WO2020252114A1; EP3983232A1

Abstract

A stencil printer comprising: a frame; a stencil coupled to the frame; and a support assembly coupled to the frame, the support assembly including a tool configured to support the electronic substrate in a printing position below the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a print head assembly coupled to the frame in a manner such that the print head assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during a print stroke. The printhead assembly includes a doctor blade assembly and at least one solder paste cartridge for depositing solder paste onto the stencil. The stencil printer further includes an end effector configured to pick up an article from the tool tray and release the article to the tool tray. The stencil printer further includes a movable cart configured to interface with the stencil printer to deliver replacement and/or exchange articles within the stencil printer.

Description

Multifunctional printing head for stencil printer

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefits of co-pending U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/931,496, filed 35u.s.c. ≡119 (e) entitled MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PRINT HEAD FOR A STENCIL PRINTER FOR the MULTI-function printhead of stencil printers, U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/861,025, filed 2019 FOR the automated replacement and system within stencil printers, filed 2019 FOR the 13 th day entitled AUTOMATED PRINTER ROBOTIC ARM FOR the automated printer robotic arm, and U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/861,031, filed 2019 FOR the 13 th day entitled AUTOMATED PRINTER SMART CART FOR the automated printer intelligent cart, filed 35 u.s.6.c., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background

1. Technical field

The present application relates generally to stencil printers and related methods for printing viscous materials, such as solder paste, on electronic substrates, such as Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), and more particularly to systems and methods for fully automating such stencil printers and methods.

2. Background art

In the manufacture of surface mount printed circuit boards, stencil printers may be used to print solder paste onto the circuit board. Typically, a circuit board having a pattern of pads or some other conductive surface on which solder paste is deposited is automatically fed into a stencil printer; and use one or more small holes or marks (referred to as "fiducials") on the circuit board to properly align the circuit board with the stencil or screen of the stencil printer prior to printing solder paste onto the circuit board. In some systems, an optical alignment system implemented as a vision system is used to align the circuit board with the stencil.

Once the circuit board has been properly aligned with the stencil in the printer, the circuit board is raised to the stencil, solder paste is dispensed onto the stencil, and a wiper blade (or squeegee) traverses the stencil to force solder paste through apertures in the stencil and onto the circuit board. As the squeegee moves past the stencil, the solder paste tends to roll in front of the blade, which desirably mixes and trims the solder paste to achieve a desired viscosity to facilitate filling of the apertures in the screen or stencil. Solder paste is typically dispensed from a standard cartridge onto the stencil. The stencil is then separated from the circuit board and the adhesion between the circuit board and the solder paste leaves most of the material on the circuit board. The material remaining on the surface of the stencil is removed during the cleaning process prior to printing of additional circuit boards.

Another process in circuit board printing involves inspecting the circuit board after solder paste has been deposited on the surface of the circuit board. Inspection of the circuit board is important to determine that clean electrical connection lines can be made. Too much solder paste may cause short circuits, while too little solder paste in place may prevent electrical contact. Typically, visual inspection systems are further employed to provide two-dimensional or three-dimensional inspection of solder paste on circuit boards.

Stencil printers of today require manual intervention to perform routine operations. For example, during replacement, the operator must perform many manual tasks, such as changing the stencil, changing the cartridge, changing the doctor blade, and changing the support tool. Each of these tasks requires an operator to manually perform the task. For example, in most stencil printers, the operator must unlock the stencil, remove the stencil, insert the replacement stencil correctly, and lock the replacement stencil in place. The replacement operation may take up to 30 minutes during which the stencil printer is not operational, which may result in the PCB production line being inoperative.

Stencil printers also require manual intervention to perform replacement and/or replenishment operations. For example, a cartridge that supplies temperature controlled solder paste to a stencil printer may need to be replaced over time (e.g., in four hours or less). Articles that are subject to normal wear and tear, such as doctor blades and templates, may need to be replaced periodically when damaged.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a delivery system configured to deliver replacement and/or exchange articles within a stencil printer. In one embodiment, the delivery system includes a frame and a translatable sled including one or more support structures configured to support one or more items. The translatable carriage is coupled to the frame for vertical movement relative to the frame, wherein the translatable carriage is configured to deliver one or more articles to a stencil printer at a desired height.

In one embodiment, the translatable sled includes a rectangular structure having a top, a bottom, opposite sides, an open front, and an open rear. The sides of the structure may include slots, each configured to receive and support an opposite edge of a flat article including one of a stencil and a tool tray. The translatable sled may further comprise: four vertically oriented bars positioned at four corners of the structure; two top bar members, one bar member being secured to the top of the structure adjacent the open front of the structure and the other bar member being secured to the top adjacent the open rear; and two bottom bar members, one bar member being secured to the bottom of the structure adjacent the open front of the structure and the other bar member being secured to the bottom adjacent the open rear. Each rod member may include two openings formed on opposite ends of the rod, wherein the openings are positioned for receiving a respective rod therein.

In one embodiment, the one or more items may include a replacement stencil, a replacement support tool, a replacement and/or replenishment doctor blade, and a replacement and/or replenishment cartridge.

In one embodiment, the delivery system may further comprise a transport arm configured to push and remove items to and from the translatable sled.

In one embodiment, the one or more articles may include a tool tray including a frame and a flat body, the frame sized to resemble a frame of a stencil.

In one embodiment, the tool tray may include at least one cutout and at least one recess formed therein to support the one or more items.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a stencil printer for printing assembly material on an electronic substrate. In one embodiment, the stencil printer includes a frame and a stencil coupled to the frame, wherein the stencil has an aperture formed therein. The stencil printer further includes a support assembly coupled to the frame, wherein the support assembly includes a tool configured to support the electronic substrate in a print position beneath the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a print head assembly coupled to the frame in a manner such that the print head assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during a print stroke. The printhead assembly includes a doctor blade assembly and at least one solder paste cartridge for depositing solder paste onto the stencil. The stencil printer further includes an end effector configured to pick up an article from the tool tray and release the article to the tool tray.

In one embodiment, the end effector may be configured to pick up items from and release items to the tool tray. The tool tray may include a spring-loaded locking mechanism to secure the doctor blade holder of the doctor blade assembly to the end effector. The end effector may include a rectangular body secured to a doctor blade holder of the printhead assembly by a pair of connecting rods. The end effector may further comprise a pair of downwardly extending pins, wherein each pin has a recess. The doctor blade holder may include an L-shaped recess formed therein, the recess having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The doctor blade holder may further comprise a spring loaded pin received within the horizontal portion of the recess, wherein the spring loaded pin is biased towards the vertical portion of the recess by a spring. When the pin of the end effector moves into the recessed vertical portion, the angled portion of the pin engages the corresponding angled portion of the spring-loaded pin to move the spring-loaded pin against the bias of the spring until the notch of the pin receives the engagement element of the spring-loaded pin to engage and secure the doctor blade holder of the doctor blade assembly to the end effector. The tool tray may further comprise an element for moving the spring-loaded pin from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The element may comprise a ramped portion that engages a corresponding ramped portion formed on the spring-loaded pin to move the spring-loaded pin against the bias of the spring until the engagement element of the spring-loaded pin is removed from the recess of the pin, thereby releasing the doctor blade assembly from the end effector.

In one embodiment, the stencil printer may further include a movable cart configured to interface with the stencil printer to deliver replacement and/or exchange articles within the stencil printer. The delivery system may include a cart frame and a translatable sled including one or more support structures configured to support one or more items. The translatable carriage may be coupled to the cart frame to move vertically relative to the cart frame, wherein the translatable carriage is configured to deliver one or more articles to a desired height of the stencil printer.

In one embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to support a replacement solder paste cartridge. The stencil printer may further comprise: a block having recesses configured to support each solder paste cartridge in a vertical upright position; and a movable support arm coupled to the frame, wherein the movable support arm is configured to support the block and move between a retracted position storing the solder paste cartridge and an extended position receiving the solder paste cartridge from the movable cart. The end effector may include a solder paste cartridge mechanism having a support bracket configured to receive, position, seal, and compression connect the solder paste cartridge to the print head assembly. The support bracket may include a base having a receiving feature designed to receive a bottom portion of the solder paste cartridge. The receiving feature may include two spaced apart prongs sized to encircle a narrow cylindrical portion of the solder paste cartridge, wherein the narrow cylindrical portion is disposed between two wider cylindrical portions to capture the prongs therebetween. The support bracket of the solder paste cartridge mechanism may further include an upstanding member having a sealing portion configured to secure and seal an upper portion of the solder paste cartridge and deliver pressurized air to the solder paste cartridge to dispense solder paste.

In one embodiment, the end effector may include a support tool movement mechanism configured to move a support tool from a tool tray to a stencil printer. The support tool movement mechanism may comprise a plate mounted on the printhead assembly. The plate has four linear bearings, with a first set of linear axes positioned one above the other on one side of the plate and a second set of linear bearings positioned one above the other on the other side of the plate. The supporting tool moving mechanism may further comprise a tool member configured to move laterally on the linear bearings. Each tool member may include a downwardly extending pin having a head configured to be received within a receiving feature associated with the support tool. The tool members may be configured to extend to a wider width than the support tool and move toward each other to capture the support tool between the pins, wherein the pins are received in the corresponding receiving features.

In one embodiment, the housing is configured with an interface designed to dock within a docking station provided on the stencil printer.

In one embodiment, the stencil printer may further include a controller configured to control operation of the movable cart based on the operating parameters obtained by the controller.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for fully automating replacement and/or exchange processes within a stencil printer. In one embodiment, the method comprises: identifying an article within the stencil printer that is intended to be replaced; delivering one of a plurality of articles to the stencil printer; removing a used item intended to be replaced with an end effector configured to pick up the item from and release the item to a tool tray; the article of the plurality of articles is mounted on a stencil printer.

In one embodiment, the used article is a spent or partially spent solder paste cartridge and the article of the plurality of articles is a new full solder paste cartridge, wherein the end effector is configured to remove the spent or partially spent solder paste cartridge and to install a new solder paste cartridge.

In one embodiment, the used article is a used doctor blade and the article of the plurality of articles is a new clean doctor blade assembly, and the end effector is configured to remove the used doctor blade and install a new doctor blade assembly.

In one embodiment, the used article is a used tool and the article of the plurality of articles is a new tool, and the end effector is configured to remove the used tool and install the new tool.

In one embodiment, the used item is a used template and the items in the plurality of items are new templates.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a stencil printer for printing assembly material on an electronic substrate. In one embodiment, the stencil printer comprises: a frame; a stencil coupled to the frame, the stencil having an aperture formed therein; and a support assembly coupled to the frame. The support assembly includes a tool configured to support the electronic substrate in a print position below the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a print head assembly coupled to the frame in a manner such that the print head assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during a print stroke. The printhead assembly includes a doctor blade assembly and at least one solder paste cartridge for depositing solder paste onto the stencil. The stencil printer further includes an end effector configured to pick up an article from the tool tray and release the article to the tool tray.

Embodiments of the stencil printer may further include configuring the end effector to pick up the doctor blade assembly from the tool tray and release the doctor blade assembly to the tool tray. The tool tray may include a spring-loaded locking mechanism to secure the doctor blade holder of the doctor blade assembly to the end effector. The end effector may include a rectangular body secured to a doctor blade holder of the printhead assembly by a pair of connecting rods. The end effector may further comprise a pair of downwardly extending pins, wherein each pin has a recess. The doctor blade holder may include an L-shaped recess formed therein, wherein the recess has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The doctor blade holder may further comprise a spring loaded pin received within the horizontal portion of the recess, wherein the spring loaded pin is biased towards the vertical portion of the recess by a spring. When the pin of the end effector moves into the recessed vertical portion, the angled portion of the pin engages the corresponding angled portion of the spring-loaded pin to move the spring-loaded pin against the bias of the spring until the notch of the pin receives the engagement element of the spring-loaded pin to engage and secure the doctor blade holder of the doctor blade assembly to the end effector. The tool tray may further comprise an element for moving the spring-loaded pin from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The element may comprise a ramped portion configured to engage a corresponding ramped portion formed on the spring-loaded pin to move the spring-loaded pin against the bias of the spring until the engagement element of the spring-loaded pin is removed from the recess of the pin, thereby releasing the doctor blade assembly from the end effector.

The stencil printer may further include a movable cart configured to interface with the stencil printer to deliver replacement and/or exchange articles within the stencil printer. The movable cart may include a cart frame and a translatable sled including one or more support structures configured to support one or more items. The translatable sled may be coupled to the cart frame to move vertically relative to the cart frame. The translatable carriage may be configured to deliver one or more articles to a stencil printer at a desired height. The movable cart may be configured to support a replacement solder paste cartridge. The stencil printer may further comprise: a block having recesses configured to support each solder paste cartridge in a vertical upright position; and a movable support arm coupled to the frame. The movable support is configured to support the block and move between a retracted position storing the solder paste cartridge and an extended position receiving the solder paste cartridge from the movable cart. The end effector may include a solder paste cartridge mechanism having a support bracket configured to receive, position, seal, and compression connect the solder paste cartridge to the print head assembly. The base of the support bracket may have a receiving feature designed to receive the bottom portion of the solder paste cartridge. The receiving feature may include two spaced apart prongs sized to encircle a narrow cylindrical portion of the solder paste cartridge, wherein the narrow cylindrical portion is disposed between two wider cylindrical portions to capture the prongs therebetween. The support bracket of the solder paste cartridge mechanism may further include an upstanding member having a sealing portion configured to secure and seal the upper portion of the solder paste cartridge and deliver pressurized air to the solder paste cartridge to dispense solder paste. The end effector may include a support tool movement mechanism configured to move a support tool from a tool tray to a stencil printer. The support tool movement mechanism may comprise a plate mounted on the print head assembly, the plate having four linear bearings, wherein a first set of linear axes are positioned one above the other on one side of the plate and a second set of linear bearings are positioned one above the other on the other side of the plate. The supporting tool moving mechanism may further comprise a tool member configured to move laterally on the linear bearings. Each tool member may include a downwardly extending pin having a head configured to be received within a receiving feature associated with the support tool. The tool members may be configured to extend to a wider width than the support tool and move toward each other to capture the support tool between the pins, wherein the pins are received in the corresponding receiving features. The cart housing may be configured with an interface designed to dock within a docking station provided on the stencil printer. The cart housing of the movable cart may include at least one pin received within at least one guide associated with the stencil printer to register the movable cart with the stencil printer prior to fully docking the movable cart. The stencil printer may further include a controller configured to control operation of the movable cart based on the operating parameters obtained by the controller. The stencil printer may further include a display operatively coupled to the controller, the display configured to display an operating parameter of the movable cart. The controller may be configured to access a database provided to keep track of items stored on the mobile cart. The database may include an open application (App) architecture and may be configured to push data to the stencil printer. The movable cart may be configured to communicate with the stencil printer to push/pull data to the stencil printer and/or the production line, and/or to communicate directly with the production line. The database may be configured to retrieve information about the item based on the identification. The database may be further configured to store additional information about the item, and/or share predictive data when replacement and/or replenishment is required, and/or store data associated with lot traceability of the item.

Drawings

The figures are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a stencil printer;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a stencil printer;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the stencil printer illustrated in FIG. 2 with a portion removed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mobile cart with an outer cover removed to expose an inner structure of the mobile cart according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a tool tray of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a tool tray supporting a tool and doctor blade assembly;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tool tray of another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a portion of an end effector of a printhead assembly and a portion of a doctor blade holder of a doctor blade assembly in disengaged and engaged positions, respectively;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the end effector and doctor blade holder in an engaged position;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of a release mechanism configured to release an end effector from a doctor blade holder;

fig. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a cartridge configured to support a solder paste cartridge in a retracted position and an extended position, respectively.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the solder paste cartridge;

11A-11C are sequence diagrams illustrating mounting of a solder paste cartridge on a printhead assembly;

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a solder paste cartridge provided in the solder paste cartridge mechanism; and

Fig. 13A-13C are perspective views of a printhead assembly configured to remove a tool from a tool tray.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates generally to material application machines (referred to herein as "stencil printers," "screen printers," "printing machines," or "printers") and other devices used in Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production lines and configured to apply a mounting material (e.g., solder paste, conductive ink, or encapsulation material) to a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board, referred to herein as an "electronic substrate," "circuit board," "PCB substrate," "substrate," or "PCB board") or perform other operations such as inspection, rework, or placement of electronic components on the substrate. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to stencil printers used to produce printed circuit boards.

For purposes of illustration only and not by way of limitation, the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The principles set forth in this disclosure are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any reference to an example, embodiment, component, element, or action of a system and method described herein in the singular can also be taken to include the plural and any reference to the plural of any embodiment, component, element, or action herein can be taken to include the singular only. Reference to singular or plural forms are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their parts, acts or elements. The use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Reference to "or" may be construed as inclusive, such that any item described using "or" may indicate a single item, a plurality of items, and any of all items described. In addition, in the event that a term usage between the present document and a document incorporated by reference is inconsistent, the term usage in the incorporated reference document is complementary to the term usage of the present document; for uncoordinated inconsistencies, the usage of the terms in this document controls.

For purposes of illustration, embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to a stencil printer for printing mounting materials, such as solder paste, onto a circuit board. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to stencil printers that print solder paste onto circuit boards, but may be used in other applications that require dispensing other viscous mounting materials, such as glues and encapsulants. For example, the device may be used to print epoxy used as an underfill for chip scale packages. Further, stencil printers according to embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those that print mounting materials on circuit boards, but include those that print other materials on a variety of substrates, such as semiconductor wafers. In addition, the terms screen and stencil may be used interchangeably herein to describe a device in a printer that is used to define a pattern to be printed onto a substrate. In certain embodiments, the stencil printer may include a stencil supplied by ITW electronics assembly equipment company (ITW Electronic Assembly Equipment) of Hopkton, massOr an Edison ^TM series stencil printer platform. An exemplary stencil printer is indicated generally by the reference numeral 5 in fig. 1. In this embodiment, the stencil printer 5 is supplied/>, by ITW electronics assembly equipment, inc. of Hopkton, massA series of stencil printer platforms.

Referring to fig. 2, a stencil printer of an embodiment of the present disclosure is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. As shown, the stencil printer 10 includes a frame 12 that supports the stencil printer components. The components of the stencil printer may include, in part, the controller 14, the display 16, the stencil 18, and a print head or print head assembly, indicated generally at 20, configured to apply solder paste in a manner described in more detail below.

As shown in fig. 2 and described below, the stencil and printhead assembly may be suitably coupled or otherwise connected to the frame 12. In one embodiment, the printhead assembly 20 may be mounted on a printhead assembly gantry 22, which may be mounted on the frame 12. The printhead assembly gantry 22 enables the printhead assembly 20 to move in the y-axis direction under the control of the controller 14 and to exert pressure on the printhead assembly when the printhead assembly engages the stencil 18. In one embodiment, the print head assembly 20 may be disposed above the stencil 18 and may be lowered into contact and sealingly engage the stencil in the z-axis direction.

The stencil printer 10 may also include a conveyor system having rails (not shown) for transporting printed circuit boards (sometimes referred to herein as "printed wiring boards," "substrates," or "electronic substrates") to a print position in the stencil printer. The track may sometimes be referred to herein as a "tractor feed mechanism" configured to feed, load, or otherwise deliver the circuit boards to a working area of the stencil printer (which may be referred to herein as a "print nest") and unload the circuit boards from the print nest.

Referring additionally to fig. 3, the stencil printer 10 has a support assembly 28 for supporting a circuit board 29 (shown in phantom) that lifts and holds the circuit board so that it remains stable during the printing operation. In some embodiments, the substrate support assembly 28 may also include a particular substrate support system, such as a solid support, a plurality of pins, or a flexible tool, that is positioned below the circuit board when the circuit board is in the print position. The substrate support system may be used in part to support an interior region of the circuit board to prevent the circuit board from flexing or warping during a printing operation.

In one embodiment, the print head assembly 20 may be configured to receive solder paste from a source (such as a dispenser, e.g., a solder paste cartridge) that provides solder paste to the print head assembly during a printing operation. Instead of the solder paste cartridge, other methods of supplying solder paste may be employed. For example, solder paste may be manually deposited between blades or from an external source. Additionally, in one embodiment, the controller 14 may be configured to use a memory having a suitable operating system (such as Microsoft Windows, offered by Microsoft corporationOperating system) having software specific to the application program to control the operation of the stencil printer 10. The controller 14 may be networked with a master controller that is used to control a manufacturing line that manufactures circuit boards.

In one configuration, the stencil printer 10 operates as follows. The circuit board 29 is loaded into the stencil printer 10 using conveyor rails. The support assembly 28 lifts and secures the circuit board 29 in the print position. The print head assembly 20 is then lowered in the z-axis direction until the blades of the print head assembly contact the stencil 18 at the desired pressure. The printhead assembly 20 is then moved in the y-axis direction past the stencil 18 by the printhead assembly gantry 22. The print head assembly 20 deposits solder paste onto the circuit board 29 through apertures in the stencil 18. Once the print head assembly has traversed completely across the stencil 18 across the apertures, the print head assembly is raised off the stencil and the circuit board 29 is lowered back onto the conveyor rail. The circuit board 29 is released from the stencil printer 10 and transported so that a second circuit board may be loaded into the stencil printer. For printing on the second circuit board 29, the print head assembly is lowered into contact with the stencil in the z-axis direction and moved past the stencil 18 in a direction opposite to that used for the first circuit board.

An imaging system 30 may be provided for the purpose of aligning the stencil 18 with the circuit board 29 prior to printing and inspecting the circuit board after printing. In one embodiment, the imaging system 30 may be disposed between the stencil 18 and a support assembly 28 upon which the circuit board is supported. The imaging system 30 is coupled to an imaging gantry 32 to move the imaging system. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry 32 may be coupled to the gantry 12 and include beams that extend between side rails of the gantry 12 to provide for the back and forth movement of the imaging system 30 on the circuit board 29 in the y-axis direction. The imaging gantry 32 may also include a carriage arrangement that houses the imaging system 30 and is configured to move along the length of the beam in the x-axis direction. The construction of the imaging gantry 32 for the mobile imaging system 30 is well known in the art of solder paste printing. This arrangement allows the imaging system 30 to be positioned anywhere below the stencil 18 and above the circuit board 29 to capture images of predefined areas of the circuit board or stencil, respectively.

After one or more applications of solder paste to the circuit board, excess solder paste may accumulate at the bottom of the stencil 18 and a stencil wiper assembly, generally indicated by reference numeral 34, may be moved beneath the stencil to remove the excess solder paste. In other embodiments, the stencil 18 may be moved over the stencil wiper assembly.

As mentioned previously, stencil printers require manual intervention to perform replacement and/or replenishment operations of certain parts. For example, a typical stencil needs to be replaced after a certain period of time (e.g., four hours). Moreover, the templates need to be replaced for different production runs. In addition, the solder paste cartridges that supply temperature controlled solder paste to the stencil printer need to be replaced over time (e.g., in four hours or less). Different production runs may require different solder paste materials. Another article that needs to be replaced periodically is a doctor blade that is subject to wear during use. And finally, the tools for supporting the substrate in the printing position are to be replaced when changing from one product to another.

A system and method for replacing a tool for supporting a substrate in a printing position includes: for a new production run or because a defect of an existing tool is detected, a new tool is removed from the tool store and transported to one of several stencil printers. In the production line, the used tool is removed from the stencil printer and a new tool is inserted into the stencil printer and secured for use. The used tool is transported to a station where it is inspected and, if available, cleaned for reuse. If defective, the tool is scrapped in the responsible manner. Once cleaned, the tool is transported back to the tool store where it is ready for use during the same or different production runs.

A system and method for replacing a doctor blade or a pair of doctor blades comprising: for a new production run or because a defect of an existing doctor blade assembly is detected, a new doctor blade assembly is removed from the doctor blade assembly warehouse and transported to one of several stencil printers. In the production line, the used doctor blade is removed from the stencil printer and a new doctor blade is inserted into the stencil printer and secured for use. The used doctor blade is transported to a station where it is inspected and, if available, cleaned for reuse. If defective, the doctor blade is scrapped in a responsible manner. Once cleaned, the doctor blade is transported back to the doctor blade store where it is ready for use during the same or different production runs.

The system and method for replacing the solder paste cartridge for a new production run or because the existing solder paste cartridge is depleted includes: a new cartridge is removed from the cartridge library and transported to one of several stencil printers. The stencil printer may be part of a single line or part of several lines used to manufacture printed circuit boards. The number of stencil printers may vary. The storing of the solder paste cartridge in the reservoir and the transporting of the solder paste cartridge should be performed in a temperature and/or climate controlled environment suitable for preserving the solder paste contained in the solder paste cartridge. On the production line, the "spent" or used solder paste cartridge is removed from the stencil printer and a "full" or new solder paste cartridge is inserted into the stencil printer and secured for use. The spent solder paste cartridge is transported to a station where the solder paste cartridge is retained (because it is not fully used) or is retained for recycling. Once retained or recycled, the solder paste cartridge is transported back to the solder paste cartridge library where it is ready for use during the same or different production runs.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a delivery system configured to automate the replacement process of stencil printers and to implement one or more of the systems and methods described herein. In one embodiment, the delivery system includes a movable cart configured to engage the stencil printer to supply and receive replacement and replenishment parts and materials to and from the stencil printer. For example, a stencil printer may include a docking station configured to receive a movable cart. The docking station may include an interface that enables the movable cart to communicate with the stencil printer. The single article movable cart may be configured to include a replacement support tool, a replacement doctor blade, a replenishment doctor blade, a replacement solder paste cartridge, and a replenishment solder paste cartridge. During replacement, for example, the stencil printer must be reconfigured to produce a different article. Thus, new support tools that accommodate different substrates, new blades having different lengths, and different types of solder paste may be employed within the stencil printer to produce different products.

The replacement process described herein may be implemented by a single item mobile cart configured to replace and/or supplement each item. In other embodiments, more than one movable cart may be provided.

The or another movable cart is configured to support a predetermined number of tools for supporting the printed circuit board in a printing position, the tools being selected for a particular day or a particular time period of a desired production run. The movable cart and/or stencil printer may be configured to identify, store, transport and transfer support tools to and from the stencil printer, inspect and interface with the stencil printer. The movable cart may also be configured to remove used parts, such as support tools, from the stencil printer.

The movable cart or another movable cart is configured to support a predetermined number of doctor blades selected for a particular day or a particular time period of a desired production run. The movable cart and/or stencil printer may be configured to identify, store, transport, inspect, and interface with the stencil printer. The movable cart may also be configured to remove used parts, such as doctor blades, from the stencil printer.

The movable cart or another movable cart is configured to support a predetermined number of solder paste cartridges selected for a particular day or a particular time period of a desired production run. The movable cart and/or stencil printer may be configured to identify the solder paste cartridge, store the solder paste cartridge in an appropriate environment, transfer the solder paste cartridge to and from the stencil printer, inspect the solder paste cartridge, and interface with the stencil printer. The movable cart may also be configured to remove used parts, such as solder paste cartridges, from the stencil printer. In addition, the movable cart may be configured to store the solder paste cartridge for an extended period of time. In one embodiment, long term storage of the solder paste may be achieved by refrigeration at 0 to 10 ℃ (32°f to 50°f). The solder paste cartridge may be stored in a location in the movable cart to maintain this temperature range. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to preheat the solder paste cartridge prior to use to prepare the cartridge for use in the stencil printer.

Referring to fig. 4, in one embodiment, a mobile cart, generally indicated at 40, includes a frame or housing 42 configured to support replacement and/or refill items. As shown, the frame 42 is generally rectangular and is supported on wheels or casters (not shown). In one embodiment, the movable cart 40 is configured to be manually moved by an operator by pushing the frame 42 of the movable cart. In this embodiment, the movable cart 40 may be configured with a push rod or handle. In another embodiment, the movable cart 40 is configured to be automatically moved by a remote control or by an automated control associated with the movable cart, the stencil printer 10, the production line, and/or some other dedicated control. In this embodiment, the movable cart 40 may include wheels driven by a suitable motor and drive train, and the control devices associated with the movable cart, the stencil printer 10, the production line, and/or some other dedicated control device are configured to control the movable cart. The movable cart 40 may also include one or more sensors and/or vision systems, such as cameras, to guide the movable cart from, for example, a warehouse to a stencil printer.

The movable cart 40 includes a translatable carriage (generally indicated by reference numeral 44) that may be configured to support one or more articles, such as a replacement stencil, a replacement support tool, a replacement and/or replenishment doctor blade, and a replacement and/or replenishment cartridge. Translatable sled 44 includes a rectangular structure 46 having a top 48, a bottom 50, opposite sides 52, 54, an open front, and an open rear. The sides 52, 54 of the structure 46 may include slots, each indicated by reference numeral 56, each configured to receive and support an opposite edge of a flat article, such as the stencil 18, or in the illustrated embodiment, a tool tray, indicated generally by reference numeral 60. The structure 46 may be configured to receive a number of items, such as ten or more. The spacing between slots 56 may be sized to receive a standard stencil frame therein.

The translatable sled 44 further includes four vertically oriented rods, each indicated by reference numeral 62, positioned at four corners of the structure 46. As shown, the top of the structure 46 includes two bar members 64, 66, with one bar member 64 secured to the top 48 of the structure adjacent the open front of the structure and the other bar member 66 secured to the top adjacent the open rear. Similarly, the bottom of the structure 46 may include two bar members 64a, 66a, with one bar member 64a secured to the bottom 50 of the structure adjacent the open front of the structure and the other bar member 66a secured to the bottom adjacent the open rear. Each bar member 64, 64a and 66, 66a includes two openings formed on opposite ends of the bar, wherein the openings are positioned for receiving a respective bar therein. This arrangement enables the structure 46 to be moved vertically relative to the rod 62 to raise and lower the structure. Suitable mechanisms may be provided to raise and lower the structure 46 under the control of the controller. For example, a ball screw assembly may be provided to move the structure 46 to position a "shelf" defined by the slot 56 adjacent to the stencil printer 10. These "shelves" may be specifically designed to support a tool tray 60 that may be configured to support items including, but not limited to, new and used support tools, new and used doctor blades, and new and spent/used solder paste cartridges. Some shelves may include tool trays 60, designated as "clean shelves" to support clean or new items ready for use within the stencil printer 10. Some of the shelves may include tool trays 60, designated as "dirty shelves" to support used articles to be removed from the stencil printer 10. As described above, the spacing between the slits 56 may be separated from one another by another specific distance to receive various articles. For example, the shelves may be 3/8 inch to 11/2 inch apart from each other to accommodate stencil frame and tool tray thickness.

The movable cart 40 may be configured with one or more means for transporting articles from the movable cart to the stencil printer 10 and from the stencil printer to the movable cart. For example, the apparatus may include a transport arm 68 configured to push and withdraw the stencil 18 and the tool tray 60, respectively, to and from the movable cart 40. For example, as shown in fig. 4, the transport arm 68 is pushing the tool tray 60 away from the movable cart 40, where the tool tray is positioned to be received by a stencil printer. Any suitable mechanism may be provided to move the transport arm, such as a ball screw assembly.

Referring to fig. 5A and 5B, the tool tray 60 includes a rectangular or square frame 70 and a flat body 72. The frame 70 may be sized to resemble the frame of the stencil 18. In one embodiment, the tool tray 60 may be made of a lightweight yet strong material, such as an aluminum alloy. As shown in fig. 5A, the body 72 of the tool tray 60 may include a number of cutouts (each cutout is indicated by reference numeral 74) and a number of recesses (each recess is indicated by reference numeral 76) to receive the support tool and doctor blade assemblies, respectively. As shown in fig. 5B, these cutouts 74 are configured to receive and secure support tools (each indicated by reference numeral 78) provided for supporting the electronic substrate 29 during a stencil printing operation. The recess 76 is configured to receive and secure doctor blade assemblies (each doctor blade assembly being designated by reference numeral 80) that are used by the print head assembly 20 to perform a stencil printing operation.

As described above, the tool tray 60 is substantially identical in form factor to the stencil to permit handling and storing/retrieving the tool tray in substantially the same manner as the stencil. The movable cart 40 and tool tray 60 are particularly suited for handling reticles and tool trays in a versatile manner. The movable cart 40 is configured to partially deliver the tool tray 60 from the movable cart to the stencil printer 10, and the stencil printer is configured to receive the tool tray for the remainder of the time. For example, the transfer arm 68 may be used to push the tool tray 60 off of the sled 44 and retract the tool tray back into the sled.

In some embodiments, the tool tray 60 may include fiducial points that may be seen by the imaging system 30 of the stencil printer 10 to establish alignment with components and positions on the tool tray. Alignment with the tool tray 60 can be employed by capturing and analyzing fiducial locations.

Referring to fig. 6, the print head assembly 20 of the stencil printer 10 includes an end effector 82 that may be configured to pick up and release articles from the tool tray 60. As previously described, the printhead assembly 20 is mounted on a printhead assembly gantry 22 that moves the printhead assembly in the y-axis direction under the control of the controller 14. Printhead assembly 22 is configured to move in the z-axis direction, as described above.

In one embodiment, the end effector 82 may be configured to pick up and release the doctor blade assembly 80. The end effector 82 is configured to tool-lessly engage and disengage with the doctor blade assembly 80 to attach and remove the doctor blade assembly from the print head assembly 20. As shown, the tool tray 60 is configured with a spring-loaded locking mechanism to secure the doctor blade holder of the doctor blade assembly 80 to the end effector 82 of the printhead assembly 20. The method of passively picking up and dropping down the doctor blade assembly 80 may be performed by the end effector 82 without the need for additional shafts or actuators.

Referring to fig. 7A-7C, the end effector 82 includes a rectangular body 84 secured to the printhead assembly 20 by a pair of connecting rods (each indicated by reference numeral 86). The end effector 82 further includes a pair of downwardly extending pins (fig. 7C) (each pin indicated by reference numeral 88) wherein each pin has a recess 90 for purposes to be described in the description of the mechanism. Doctor blade assembly 80 includes a holder 92 having an L-shaped recess 94 formed therein. The recess 94 includes a vertical portion 94a and a horizontal portion 94b. The mechanism includes a spring-loaded pin 96 received within the horizontal portion 94b of the recess 94, the spring-loaded pin being biased toward the vertical portion 94 of the recess by a spring 98.

Fig. 7A and 7B illustrate the pin 88 of the end effector 82 being driven into the vertical portion 94a of the recess 94. As the pin 88 enters the vertical portion 94a of the recess 94, the angled portion of the pin engages a corresponding angled portion of the spring-loaded pin 96. Downward movement of the pin 88 moves the spring-loaded pin 96 against the bias of the spring 98 until the pin recess 90 receives the spring-loaded pin engagement element 100, thereby engaging and securing the holder 92 of the doctor blade assembly 80 to the end effector 82. Fig. 7C shows two pins 88 of the holder 92 secured by their respective spring-loaded pins 96 to secure the doctor blade assembly 80. In this position, the end effector 82 secures the doctor blade assembly 80, which may be used to perform stencil printing operations.

Fig. 8A and 8B illustrate the pin 88 of the end effector 82 being withdrawn from the vertical portion 94a of the recess 94. An upwardly projecting member 102 is provided on the tool tray 60 to move the spring-loaded pin 96 from the engaged position shown in fig. 7B and 7C to the disengaged position shown in fig. 7A. Referring to fig. 8A, the angled portion of element 102 engages a corresponding angled portion formed on spring-loaded pin 96. Downward movement of the end effector 82 toward the member 102 moves the spring-loaded pin 96 against the bias of the spring 98 until the engagement member 100 of the spring-loaded pin is removed from the recess 90 of the pin 88, thereby releasing the doctor blade assembly 80 from the end effector 82, as shown in fig. 8B. The element 102 maintains the spring-loaded pin 96 in the disengaged position, thereby enabling release of the holder 92 of the doctor blade assembly 80.

In some embodiments, the end effector 82 may employ magnets to engage magnetic material associated with the doctor blade assembly 80 to secure the doctor blade assembly to the print head assembly 20 and to release the doctor blade assembly from the print head assembly.

Referring back to fig. 4, the movable cart 40 includes replacement solder paste cartridges, each of which is designated by reference numeral 110. As shown, the solder paste cartridges 110 are supported on a cartridge escrow area (otherwise referred to as a "on-deck dome") of the movable cart 40 to permit the stencil printer 10 to continuously supply solder paste for uninterrupted operation. Referring to fig. 9A and 9B, the frame 12 of the stencil printer 10 includes blocks 114 having recesses configured to support the solder paste cartridges 110 in a vertical, upright position when received from the movable cart 40. The block 114 is secured to a movable support arm 116 that is coupled to the frame 12 of the stencil printer 10 and is configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position. The solder paste cartridge 110 is supported by the cylindrical half wall 118 to provide lateral support to the solder paste cartridge to assist in maintaining the solder paste cartridge in an upright position. The block 114 shown in fig. 9A and 9B is configured to support two solder paste cartridges 110, although the block may be configured to support any number of solder paste cartridges.

Fig. 9A shows the block 114 and the movable support arm 116 in a retracted position in which the stencil printer 10 stores the cartridge 110. Fig. 9B shows the block 114 and the movable support arm 116 in an extended position in which the solder paste cartridge 110 can be transferred from the movable cart 40 to the block. Any suitable mechanism may be provided to move the movable support arm 116, such as a ball screw assembly.

In some embodiments, the solder paste cartridge 110 may be manually fed onto the block 114 of the stencil printer 10 without the use of a movable cart.

Referring to fig. 10, a plurality of solder paste cartridges 110 may be provided in the "N" cartridge bins 112 to permit operation of the stencil printer 10 (including solder paste replacement) even when the movable cart 40 is not present. The number of solder paste cartridges 110 provided by the cartridge 112 may be determined by the logistical requirements and the specific application of the stencil printer 10.

Referring to fig. 11A-11C, the process of mounting the solder paste cartridge 110 on the print head assembly 20 is illustrated in sequence. The print head assembly 20 includes a solder paste cartridge mechanism that includes a support bracket 120 configured to receive, position, seal, and compression connect the solder paste cartridge 110 to the print head assembly 20. As shown, the support bracket 120 includes a base 122 having a receiving feature 124 designed to receive a bottom portion of the solder paste cartridge 110. In the example shown, the receiving feature 124 includes two spaced apart prongs sized to surround the narrow cylindrical portion of the solder paste cartridge 110. The narrow cylindrical portion is disposed between the two wider cylindrical portions to capture the prongs therebetween. The print head assembly 20 is configured to move the solder paste cartridge 110 by operating the print head assembly gantry 22 to secure the solder paste cartridge to the support bracket 120 of the solder paste cartridge mechanism.

The support bracket 120 of the solder paste cartridge mechanism further includes an upstanding member 126 configured to secure, seal and compression connect the upper portion of the solder paste cartridge 110. The upstanding member 126 includes a sealing portion 128 designed to seal against an upper portion of the solder paste cartridge 110. Once the solder paste cartridge 110 is seated in the receiving feature 124 of the base 122, the base is configured to move upward in the manner shown in fig. 11B and 11C to seal the pneumatic pressure connection of the solder paste cartridge 110 with the sealing portion 128. Once pressurized, the solder paste cartridge 110 is ready to perform a dispensing operation. Any suitable mechanism may be employed to move the base 122 in an upward direction and a downward direction to engage and disengage the solder paste cartridge 110 with the sealing portion 128, respectively. For example, a pneumatic assembly 130 may be provided to move the base 122. Another pneumatic cylinder 132 may be employed to lower the entire cylinder assembly during the dispensing operation. In one embodiment, pneumatic cylinder 132 powers up and down movement of printhead assembly 20 in the z-axis direction. After the solder paste cartridge 110 is raised to seal against the sealing portion 128, the solder paste cartridge may be pressurized when dispensing of solder paste is desired. The connection of this assembly is made by upstanding member 126 and sealing portion 128.

Fig. 12 shows a solder paste cartridge 110 held and sealed by a solder paste cartridge mechanism. Thus, the solder paste cartridge mechanism is capable of seating and sealing the solder paste cartridge 110. The solder paste cartridge mechanism may be configured to receive solder paste cartridges or solder paste cans of different sizes.

In some embodiments, each solder paste cartridge 110 includes a one-dimensional bar code label wrapped around the cartridge from end to end, thereby permitting the bar code to be read from any orientation relative to the tube.

Referring to fig. 13A-13C, a support tool movement mechanism, generally indicated at 140, is configured to move a support tool 78 from the tool tray 60 to the stencil printer 10. As shown, the support tool movement mechanism 140 includes a plate 142 mounted on the printhead assembly 20. The plate 142 has four linear bearings, each indicated by reference numeral 144, with a first set of linear bearings positioned one above the other on one side of the plate and a second set of linear bearings positioned one above the other on the other side of the plate. Each set of linear bearings 144 has a tool member 146 configured to move laterally on the linear bearings. Any suitable mechanism may be employed to move the tool member 146. For example, a ball screw drive assembly may be provided to move the tool member 146 along a linear bearing. In one embodiment, the mechanism may be powered by a drive assembly that powers up and down movement of printhead assembly 20 in the z-axis direction. Each tool member 146 includes a downwardly extending pin 148 having a head configured to be received within a receiving feature 150 associated with the support tool 78.

Fig. 13A shows the pins 148 of the tool member 146 being received in corresponding mating features 150 of the support tool 78. The tool members 146 may extend to a greater width than the support tool 78 and move toward each other to capture the support tool 78 between the pins via the receiving features 150. The tool tray 60 may include recesses formed therein that are positioned adjacent to the support tool 78 to enable the pins 148 to be disposed laterally adjacent to the receiving features 150 of the support tool 78. Fig. 13B shows the print head assembly 20 raised in the z-axis direction to pick up the support tool 78. The mechanism for picking up and lowering the support tool 78 may be configured to engage and secure the support tool, may include magnets to facilitate attachment and detachment of the support tool to the support structure. As shown, an opening (e.g., cutout 74) is provided in the tool tray 60 to facilitate access to support tools in the stencil printer from the print head assembly 20 when the tool tray is in the stencil printer 10.

The arrangement is such that the movable cart 40 is configured to support a predetermined number of support tools 78 for supporting the printed circuit board 29 in the printing position. The movable cart 40 and the stencil printer 10 operate with each other to identify the support tool 78, store the support tool, transport the support tool to and from the stencil printer, inspect the support tool, and interface with the stencil printer. The movable cart 40 and the stencil printer 10 also operate with each other to remove used parts, such as support tools 78, from the stencil printer.

In some embodiments, multiple axes of motion in the movable cart 40 may minimize the cost and complexity of the drive system. These drives may be present on the movable cart 40 or the stencil printer 10.

In some embodiments, the print head assembly 20 is capable of picking up and placing the support tool 78. The same print head assembly 20 is capable of picking up and dropping down the doctor blade assembly 80.

In some embodiments, instead of the printhead assembly gantry 22, mechanisms for managing the support tool or plate 78, doctor blade assembly 80, and solder paste cartridge 110 may be provided on other gantries (e.g., imaging system gantry 32 or stencil wiper assembly gantry).

The movable cart 40 may be configured with an interface designed to dock within a docking station provided on the stencil printer 10. In one embodiment, the interface of the movable cart is configured to dock within the docking station of the stencil printer 10 from both the mechanical interface and the electronic communication interface. In particular embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with a unique mechanical interface that mates with a unique mechanical interface of the stencil printer 10. These dtex mechanical interfaces may include geometric features. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured with pins that are received within guides associated with the stencil printer 10 to register the movable cart with the stencil printer prior to fully docking the movable cart. The pins and guides may be reversed with the pins disposed on the stencil printer 10 and the guides disposed in the movable cart. Other types of guides may be used, such as electrical/magnetic guides, visual guides, sensors, latches, and the like. The movable cart may physically engage the stencil printer or be spaced apart from the stencil printer when docked within the docking station of the stencil printer 10.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to clean the doctor blade by cleaning or otherwise removing used solder paste from the doctor blade.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to replace the used doctor blade by unclamping the doctor blade from the print head 20 and positioning the used doctor blade on an open shelf of the movable cart. A new doctor blade is taken from the movable carriage and mounted on the print head 20 of the stencil printer 10.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart includes a controller adapted to control operation of the mobile cart based on an operating parameter obtained by the controller. The controller may be configured to communicate with the controller 14 of the stencil printer 10 and/or a controller associated with the production line. In one embodiment having multiple mobile carts, the controller may be implemented as multiple controllers disposed in each mobile cart that communicate with each other through a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus or other type of network. In other embodiments, a master controller may be provided to control the operation of the controller of the movable cart 80. Each movable cart may be provided with a display operatively coupled to the controller. The display is adapted to display operational parameters of the movable cart such as, but not limited to, the number of clean and used templates, the number of full and used/used solder paste cartridges, the number of new and used doctor blades, and/or the number of new and used tools. A suitable monitor may be provided to obtain such information. Alternatively, or in addition to the foregoing embodiments, the operating parameters may be displayed on a display 16 disposed within the stencil printer 10 and/or a display associated with the manufacturing line.

In other embodiments, the movable cart may be controlled by the controller 14 of the stencil printer 10 and/or a controller associated with the manufacturing line. The controller may be a controller dedicated to one or more mobile carts.

In some embodiments, the material identification for the items on the movable cart may include a means for manipulating the items and a scanner for scanning and identifying the items. For example, for a solder paste cartridge, the movable cart may be configured to include pinch wheels to rotate the solder paste cartridge to align a code or predetermined identification mark disposed on the solder paste cartridge with a scanner disposed on the movable cart. The system is configured to associate a material identification associated with the solder paste cartridge with a recipe, production time, etc. for the stencil printer 10. In one embodiment, a bar code for identifying an item may be implemented. For example, the bar code may include a 1D scanner for UPC codes, a 2D scanner for QRC codes, printed indicia applied to the article, or laser etched indicia etched on the article. In another embodiment, an RFID system for identifying items may be implemented. For example, the RFID system may include an RFID tag applied to an item and an RFID reader associated with the movable cart 40 or stencil printer 10. In an RFID system, a linear-of-site field of view (line-of-site) between the reader and the item is not required. In addition, scanning is not required to identify all items within the mobile cart. In another embodiment, an imaging or vision system for identifying an item may be implemented. The vision system may be an imaging system similar to the imaging system 30 associated with the stencil printer 10 and may be coupled to the stencil printer, external to the stencil printer, or on a movable cart.

In some embodiments, a database is provided to keep track of items stored on the mobile cart. In one embodiment, the database may include an open application (App) architecture and is configured to push data to the stencil printer 10. The movable cart 40 may be configured to communicate with the stencil printer 10 to push/pull data to the stencil printer and/or the production line, or to communicate directly with the production line. The database may include job information or material information. The database may also be in communication with a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) associated with the production line, the stencil printer 10, or both. The MES system can be configured to know which materials are needed for a certain production run. The movable cart may be configured to communicate with a MES system to adjust the delivery of the items to the stencil printer 10.

The database may also be configured to retrieve information about the item based on the identification (e.g., bar code number). In one embodiment, a central management system may be provided in which the stencil printer 10 and/or the movable cart 40 is programmed to accept material from the movable cart. The movable cart 40 is programmed to update a database to identify materials on the movable cart, load information from the network into a database associated with the movable cart and/or the stencil printer 10, which information is bound back to the MES system.

The database may also be configured to store additional information, such as usage and consumption. The database may be configured to store information locally or remotely, and may be configured to store data associated with one or more production runs. For example, the database may be configured to obtain and store data including, but not limited to, traceability of templates, solder paste cartridges, doctor blades and tools, solder paste usage, cycles, and the like.

The database may be configured to share predictive data when replacement/replenishment is required. For example, in terms of storing information related to the solder paste cartridge, the database may be configured to perform one or more of the following: storing information about when the cartridge needs to be replenished; performing a function in a case where the amount of solder paste of the solder paste cartridge is low; triggering an alert and/or report of a low amount of solder paste cartridge; signaling an inventory control system associated with the stencil printer 10 and/or the production line; analyzing the consumable usage based on the operating parameters and actual usage and upstream/downstream equipment activities; predicting (for stencil printers and/or for mobile carts 40) replacement or maintenance; and correlating at a plurality of locations to predict when to change out the solder paste cartridge. The database may be configured to share predictive data for other changeable/consumable items, such as for a stencil, a cartridge of solder paste, a doctor blade, and a tool.

The database may be configured to store data associated with lot traceability. In addition, an RFID or mechanical key connection of the stencil plate or stencil frame is provided to ensure proper alignment/orientation/front-to-back/up-down position of the articles as they are inserted into the stencil printer 10. This information may be used to verify proper orientation and/or assembly prior to delivery of the article from the warehouse and/or prior to installation of the article in the stencil printer 10. A low cost reader can perform this function.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to store materials. The movable cart may be configured to flexibly accommodate locations from and to which material is to be moved. In addition, the movable cart may be configured to identify a location on the movable cart where a particular material is located. In certain embodiments, the location is remote, local, on a mobile cart, and/or on the stencil printer 10, whether by automated delivery or by manual delivery. As described above, the mobile cart 80 may be configured to control environmental parameters. For example, the movable cart 80 may be configured to control the temperature of solder paste contained within the solder paste cartridge by cooling the stored solder paste cartridge, heating the ready-to-use solder paste cartridge, and cooling the solder paste cartridge that has been used but still retains the solder paste. The movable cart 80 may also be configured to predict when to start heating/cooling the solder paste cartridges based on upcoming production, track the time of shelf life, and control each solder paste cartridge individually to the proper temperature at the correct time. In other embodiments, the movable cart 80 may include a cartridge ejector (shooter) to move the solder paste cartridge. The mobile cart 80 may also be configured to control humidity to avoid condensation. The mobile cart 80 may also be configured to operate in a clean environment, such as a Standard Mechanical Interface (SMIF) environment.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to perform inventory control. In particular, the mobile cart may be configured to identify where the material is located, how much material is used, how material is used, when material is used, to link the material and information about the material to a customer inventory control system, and to track the type of material consumed per plate or batch of plates.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to organize items stored on the mobile cart. As previously described, in one embodiment, a movable cart may be provided to store, transport, and deliver a plurality of resources, including but not limited to, templates, solder paste cartridges, doctor blades, and tools. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to store a single resource or item, transport it, and deliver it to the stencil printer 10. For example, a movable cart may be configured to store a plurality of templates. The mobile cart may be configured to service a plurality of production lines. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to provide service to one stencil printer 10.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to transport articles from the movable cart to the stencil printer 10 and from the stencil printer to the movable cart, and may take into account the height differential between the movable cart and the stencil printer. Delivery may be automated or manual. In one embodiment, the movable cart may be moved or remotely controlled by an automatic guided vehicle (AVG) technique associated with the movable cart. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to move autonomously. In another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to be manually moved. In yet another embodiment, the movable cart may be configured to automatically and/or manually move items stored on the movable cart. For example, the movable cart may be configured to automatically move items, and may provide for interruption of a pre-planned activity in which items are manually moved.

In some embodiments, the time associated with performing the transport function of the mobile cart may be programmed to take into account shifts (e.g., personnel shifts), scheduled maintenance, on-demand activities (e.g., recipe changes), and predicted events (timely changes). The time may be programmed to meet multiple line balance control requirements with one or more movable carts, as well as to meet real-time on-demand material supply requirements on the line.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart is configured to perform an inspection. For example, the movable cart may inspect items on and off the cart, including the stencil, solder paste cartridge, doctor blade, and tool. In one embodiment, a vision system associated with the mobile cart may be configured to obtain an image of the item. The vision system in combination with the controller may be configured to check for cleanliness, damage, wear and tear, and identification reliability, e.g., bar code labels are worn, dirty or torn. The vision system may be implemented as any type of 2D, 3D or color camera.

In some embodiments, the interface and docking station may be configured with a clamping system to hold the movable cart in place relative to the stencil printer 10. For example, a magnetic clamping system may be employed.

In some embodiments, the stencil printer 10 may be configured with a plurality of docking stations, for example, five docking stations. The docking station may be disposed in front of the stencil printer 10 or behind the stencil printer.

The movable cart and/or the stencil printer 10 may be configured to verify that the movable cart may interface and interact with the stencil printer. In one embodiment, verification may be provided to confirm that the movable cart is in place and ready to interact with the stencil printer 10. This verification process can also determine whether the correct material is on the mobile cart and whether the mobile cart material information can be received from the MES system or identified locally. If incorrect, the mobile cart 40 may be configured to activate an alarm and/or alert the operator if the wrong or damaged material is on the mobile cart.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with an actuation device or actuator to move articles onto and off the movable cart once the movable cart is docked to the stencil printer 10. Embodiments of the actuator may be implemented on a movable cart, the stencil printer 10, or both. In another embodiment, the items may be manually loaded and unloaded from the movable cart.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to interact with a production line. With this embodiment, the operator of the production line can confirm the correct position and respond to receipt of the movable cart on the stencil printer 10.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to communicate with the stencil printer 10, the production line, and/or select a machine within the production line via an open platform. The communication system may include wired systems, wireless systems (via public network, mesh, bluetooth, wi-Fi, zigbee, WAN, nodes, li-Fi, etc.), combinations of wired and wireless systems, and Infrared (IR) systems.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured with a dedicated power supply. In one embodiment, the movable cart includes a battery configured to power automated components disposed in the movable cart, such as a mechanism for moving the stencil into and out of the movable cart, a mechanism for moving the solder paste cartridge into and out of the movable cart, a mechanism for moving the doctor blade into and out of the movable cart, and a mechanism for moving the tool into and out of the movable cart. In other embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured with an uninterrupted power supply. The power supply may be configured to support actuation when "docked" (high voltage from the stencil printer when docked, or low voltage when undocked). The power source may be configured to recharge for autonomous operation, e.g., recharging the battery with power provided by the stencil printer 10.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to function with the stencil printer 10. For example, the movable cart may be configured to provide a handshaking function with the stencil printer 10, such as "please me stencil #1234", prior to delivering the article. The mobile cart and stencil printer 10 may be configured with communication protocols and/or library references as to what is available for consumption. The mobile cart may be configured to determine whether the mobile cart has the correct item. The handshaking function may be configured to ensure proper delivery of an item, such as "this is template #1234", and/or subsequent delivery of an item, such as "i am now having template #1234". In one embodiment, the mobile device may be configured to scan and identify items in the mobile cart and determine, for example, whether the items are ready for use, need cleaning, and the like.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to address errors associated with handling and retrieving items in the mobile cart. For example, the mobile cart may be configured to detect incomplete movement of a party, incomplete transfer of items (e.g., stuck or jammed items), dropped transfer (e.g., "i have template #1234 transferred you, do you not receive. In one embodiment, a controller associated with the mobile cart may be configured to perform static emission control, data recovery, and/or safety.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured with a higher level of capability. In addition to transferring all equipment to the correct height, the movable cart will need to be pulled in/out of all equipment for attachment of the stencil printer gantry.

In some embodiments, the existing stencil printer gantry, rails, and printheads of the stencil printer 10 may be configured to shuttle articles into and out of.

In some embodiments, the print head 20 of the stencil printer 10 may be configured to lift and shuttle a tool plate.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with a solder paste cartridge transporter at the top of the movable cart to load/unload solder paste cartridges.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to communicate with the stencil printer 10, the production line, and a warehouse associated with the production line.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with an electrical/pneumatic interface.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to track new and used consumables, such as solder paste cartridges, including location, temperature, and other data, on the movable cart.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to store and supply templates for the duration of a production run.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to verify and ensure that the doctor blade is associated with the stencil to ensure compatibility of the parts during replacement.

In some embodiments, the doctor blade may include disposable blades, which are plastic molded blades.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to scan all consumables with a suitable scanning device, such as a bar code reader or RFID reader.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with a transfer mechanism to properly position the consumable.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with a bypass switch to disconnect the movable cart from the stencil printer 10 in the event of a problem with the movable cart.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to move manually or by an Automatically Guided Vehicle (AGV).

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to interface with the stencil printer 10.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to service a plurality of stencil printers 10.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to be dedicated to one consumable item, such as a template, or a plurality of consumable/replacement items.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to transport and present consumables to be cleaned at a remote station.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to be reloaded at a warehouse associated with the warehouse.

In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to be actively or passively climate controlled.

In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to be controlled by a smart phone-enabled application (App).

As used herein, "automated" or "fully automated" replacement describes the replacement or replenishment of an item without human intervention.

As used herein, "partially automated" replacement describes the replacement or replenishment of an item in the presence of some or limited human intervention.

As used herein, "transporting" or "in-transit" describes moving an item from one location to another either manually or with a machine.

As used herein, "installed" or "in-installation" describes a process of placing an item in a location ready for use.

As described above, the movable cart may be used to replace other items within the stencil printer. For example, stencil wiper assemblies include consumables, such as paper and solvents, that can be automatically replaced by a movable cart.

The concepts disclosed herein may be used in other types of equipment used to manufacture electronic substrates, including dispensers, pick and place machines, reflow ovens, wave soldering machines, selective welders, inspection stations, and cleaning stations. For example, concepts involving replacement of solder paste cartridges may be used in dispensers for dispensing viscous materials. In another example, concepts involving replacement tools may be utilized in dispensers and pick and place machines for mounting electronic devices onto electronic substrates. In another example, concepts involving replacement of items may be used to replace solder in wave soldering machines and selective soldering machines as well as clean products in cleaning stations.

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

1. A stencil printer for printing assembly material on an electronic substrate, the stencil printer comprising:

A frame;

a stencil coupled to the frame, the stencil having an aperture formed therein;

a support assembly coupled to the frame, the support assembly including a tool configured to support the electronic substrate in a print position below the stencil;

A print head assembly coupled to the frame in a manner such that the print head assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during a printing stroke, the print head assembly including a doctor blade assembly and at least one solder paste cartridge for depositing solder paste onto the stencil; and

An end effector configured to pick up items from and release items to the tool tray, the end effector comprising a pair of downwardly extending pins,

Wherein the end effector is configured to pick up a doctor blade assembly from the tool tray and release a doctor blade assembly to the tool tray; and

Wherein the tool tray includes a spring-loaded locking mechanism configured to be operated by the pair of downwardly extending pins to secure the doctor blade holder of the doctor blade assembly to the end effector.

2. The stencil printer of claim 1, wherein the end effector comprises a rectangular body secured to a doctor blade holder of the print head assembly by a pair of connecting rods.

3. The stencil printer of claim 2, wherein each of the pair of downwardly extending pins has a recess.

4. A stencil printer as claimed in claim 3, wherein the doctor blade holder includes an L-shaped recess formed therein, the recess having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion.

5. The stencil printer of claim 4, wherein the doctor blade holder further comprises a spring-loaded pin received within the recessed horizontal portion, the spring-loaded pin being biased toward the recessed vertical portion by a spring.

6. The stencil printer of claim 5, wherein when the pin of the end effector is moved into the recessed vertical portion, the angled portion of the pin engages a corresponding angled portion of the spring-loaded pin to move the spring-loaded pin against the bias of the spring until the notch of the pin receives the engagement element of the spring-loaded pin to engage and secure the doctor blade holder of the doctor blade assembly to the end effector.

7. The stencil printer of claim 6, wherein the tool tray further comprises an element for moving the spring-loaded pins from an engaged position to a disengaged position.

8. The stencil printer of claim 7, wherein the member includes a ramped portion configured to engage a corresponding ramped portion formed on the spring-loaded pin to move the spring-loaded pin against the bias of the spring until the engagement member of the spring-loaded pin is removed from the recess of the pin, thereby releasing the doctor blade assembly from the end effector.

9. The stencil printer of claim 1, further comprising: a movable cart configured to cooperate with the stencil printer to deliver replacement articles within the stencil printer, the movable cart comprising:

a cart frame; and

A translatable carriage including one or more support structures configured to support one or more articles, the translatable carriage coupled to the cart frame to move vertically relative to the cart frame, the translatable carriage configured to deliver one or more articles to the stencil printer at a desired height.

10. The stencil printer of claim 9, wherein the movable cart is configured to support a replacement cartridge of solder paste.

11. The stencil printer of claim 10, further comprising: a block having recesses configured to support each solder paste cartridge in a vertical upright position; and a movable support arm coupled to the frame, the movable support arm configured to support the block and move between a retracted position storing the solder paste cartridge and an extended position receiving the solder paste cartridge from the movable cart.

12. The stencil printer of claim 11, wherein the end effector comprises a solder paste cartridge mechanism having a support bracket configured to receive, position, seal, and compression connect the solder paste cartridge to the print head assembly.

13. The stencil printer of claim 12, wherein the support bracket includes a base having a receiving feature configured to receive a bottom portion of the solder paste cartridge.

14. The stencil printer of claim 13, wherein the receiving feature comprises two spaced apart prongs sized to encircle a narrow cylindrical portion of the cartridge, the narrow cylindrical portion being disposed between two wider cylindrical portions to capture the prongs between the narrow cylindrical portion and the wider cylindrical portion.

15. The stencil printer of claim 14, wherein the support bracket of the solder paste cartridge mechanism further comprises an upstanding member having a sealing portion configured to secure and seal an upper portion of the solder paste cartridge and deliver pressurized air to the solder paste cartridge to dispense solder paste.

16. The stencil printer of claim 9, wherein the end effector comprises a support tool movement mechanism configured to move a support tool from the tool tray to the stencil printer.

17. The stencil printer of claim 16, wherein the support tool movement mechanism comprises a plate mounted on the print head assembly, the plate having four linear bearings, wherein a first set of linear bearings are positioned one above the other on one side of the plate and a second set of linear bearings are positioned one above the other on the other side of the plate.

18. The stencil printer of claim 17, wherein the support tool movement mechanism further comprises a tool member configured to move laterally on the linear bearing.

19. The stencil printer of claim 18, wherein the tool members are considered first tool members and the support tool movement mechanism further comprises a second tool piece, each tool member comprising a downwardly extending pin having a head configured to be received within a receiving feature associated with the support tool.

20. The stencil printer of claim 19, wherein the tool members are configured to extend to a greater width than the support tool and to move toward one another to capture the support tool between the pins, wherein the pins are received in respective receiving features.

21. The stencil printer of claim 9, wherein the cart frame is configured to have an interface that is designed to dock within a docking station provided on the stencil printer.

22. The stencil printer of claim 9, wherein the carriage frame of the movable carriage includes at least one pin that is received within at least one guide associated with the stencil printer to register the movable carriage with the stencil printer prior to fully docking the movable carriage.

23. The stencil printer of claim 9, further comprising: a controller configured to control operation of the movable cart based on the operating parameters obtained by the controller.

24. The stencil printer of claim 23, further comprising: a display operably coupled to the controller, the display configured to display an operating parameter of the movable cart.

25. The stencil printer of claim 23, wherein the controller is configured to access a database provided to keep track of items stored on the movable cart.

26. A stencil printer for printing assembly material on an electronic substrate, the stencil printer comprising:

A frame;

a stencil coupled to the frame, the stencil having an aperture formed therein;

An end effector configured to pick up and release items, the end effector comprising a pair of downwardly extending pins; and

A tool tray comprising an article having a spring-loaded locking mechanism configured to be operated by the pair of downwardly extending pins of the end effector to releasably secure the article within the tool tray to the end effector.

27. The stencil printer of claim 26, wherein the article is a used article that is intended to be replaced, and

Wherein the frame is configured to mate with a movable cart configured to deliver replacement articles to the stencil printer.